A Beautiful Giveaway then Off to Market!!!

(Designer: Kara Childress)

When I first saw the work of Leslie Sinclair, owner of Segreto Finishes, I was mesmerized by her plaster finishes, wall treatments and cabinet finishes.

(Designer: Tami Owen)

A room touched by Segreto is transformed from ordinary to extraordinary under her careful direction.

(Designer: Tami Owen)

A true artist and accomplished business woman, she oversees a staff of 25 and her company, Segreto Finishes, creates some of the most coveted rooms today. Leslie recently released a new book, Segreto – Secrets To Finishing Beautiful Interiors, a wonderful book that has the blogs and Pinterest buzzing. So when she contacted me and asked if I would I like to review a copy, of course I said yes. Then I asked her if she would also be willing to host a Giveaway for you, and she generously agreed.

(Designer: Kara Childress Architectural Consultant: Sara West)

As I was enjoying page after page of this lovely book I was struck by the beauty and peacefulness her interior finishes convey. Segreto’s trademark favors soft neutrals, texture and depth, over bright colors.

(Designer: Talbot Cooley)

The book is a gorgeous collection of page after page of dream interiors. As a coffee table book for inspiration, its worth its weight in gold.

(Joyce Horn Antiques)

But, the book also provides wonderful tips, hints and insider information on choosing the best finishes for your own interiors. This book ranks as one of my favorite design books of the year!

Thanks to Leslie Sinclair’s generosity, a lucky reader will be receiving this treasure soon. To enter to win the gorgeous Segreto – Secrets to Finishing Beautiful Interiors book just visit Segreto’s website HERE, come back and comment which finish inspires you. I will announce the winner next Friday!

To see more of Leslie Sinclair’s work and Segreto Finishes click HERE

To visit her blog: Segreto – The Secret to Beautiful Living click HERE

To listen to Leslie interviewed on The Skirted Round Table click HERE

To order a copy of this gorgeous book click HERE

(Bunny Williams – BeeLine Home)

Finally, I am off to meet by BFF, Diane, at Market in High Point, NC! We’ll be shopping for clients and scouting out the new trends!! Can’t wait to bring back lots of pictures and inspiration for you!! See you a few days!!

(Note: Willow Décor receives no compensation for book sales)

(All content copyrighted by Willow Décor and not to be used with our permission. All photos property of Segreto not to be used with out consent)

An Artist’s Sculpture Studio

One of my dreams is to have a studio. I love to paint, dabble in sculpture and of course, it would be wonderful to have a dedicated space for my interior design business.

Designer David Coote took a small garden shed and created the most amazing Artist’s Sculpture Studio and Retreat.

Though not very large in scale, it is enormous in charm and function. As you enter you can see a daybed to the right and straight on you can see the studio area. Notice the skylights and windows. There is literally light from almost every angle.

Here is a closer look at the studio. I love that the back wall is covered in old barn board and the floors are stunning!

A small pot belly stove keeps the studio toasty warm in the cooler months.

And there is even a small hot plate when you need to re-charge and have a bit of tea!

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To the right is another bed in a bit of alcove. Notice the lovely window and beautiful open beamed ceiling

A close up shows old brackets and barn wood shelves for storing old casts and an antique wash tub to hold towels and cleaning supplies.

The alcove also has wonderful skylights. I expect the light floods this studio and changes all day creating the most interesting patterns.

There is even a wash basin and water to freshen up – so charming!!

Notice the old re-purposed closet doors which hide all the sculpture supplies.

And these doors swing open to let even more light and the lovely gardens in.

Could you ask for a more inspiring place to work?! So readers, here is one of my dreams – an Artist Studio!

To see more of David Coote’s work click HERE. To see two other fabulous Artist Studios click HERE and HERE.

(All content copyrighted and property of Willow Décor, all photos David Coote)

Artist Studio To Guest Cottage

I am always intrigued by spaces that were artist studios and have become living spaces or the other way around. Perhaps it's knowing that someone put their heart and soul into creating there or would be trying to create beauty makes the space very romantic to me. I was sent this wonderful little house that was formerly an artist studio and the new owners turned it into a guest cottage.

We are not strangers to peeking inside of artist studios on the blogs. You surely will recognized this gorgeous pool house turned artist studio created by Brooke and Steve Giannetti. Read all about this incredible space here.

Or this urban loft and artist studio I wrote about last year designed by Ochs Design. Read about this fabulous space here. Named "Openview", because of its spectacular views of the English countryside, this artist studio turned guest cottage is located just outside of London. Upon entering you immediately notice the open, airy style and wonderful light. Both indicative of why it was a great artist studio to begin with.The furnishings are warm and inviting. Danish white soaped floorboards add a wonderful patina and ambiance to the entire space. Notice how a wicker trunk becomes a coffee table and a stack of book a side table. I love the mirror leaning to the right.
Cathedral ceilings and sheer white linen curtains create a dreamy environment. I love the small desk and collection of framed pressed flowers. The folding bistro chair is wonderful. Clearly there is space to still paint here.
Here is a closer look of the living area. Notice the old worn chairs that do not match and floral couch. Everything is broken in and muted. It makes you feel like you can sit right down and relax.
In the dining/kitchen area an old church bench is painted white and paired with an old farm table and bench. White paint unifies the non matching collection. You can see how the painted concrete floors tie in seamlessly with the outdoor antique brick patio. I love the series of prints hung behind the bench.
Opposite the table is the kitchen area. Enameled appliances, open shelving and old fashion linen skirting continue the cottage charm.
Here is a closer view. Notice the apron front sink, a must in any cottage kitchen.

We end with a soak in the tub in a dreamy bathroom. I love the multiple mirrors. This is a simple and inexpensive decorating idea to add drama to a space. I think the owners did a great job of keeping the charm and creating a comfortable house for their guests.

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Don't forget to subscribe to Willow Decor in the upper right corner! Have a great weekend!

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(all photos beach studios to see more of this cottage click here)

A Dreamy Artist's Loft

I take a painting class every Friday. I love to paint seascapes. The teacher puts on some wonderfully soft music and brews us Cinnamon Tea. I sit on my stool and try to imagine the real sea. While I paint my mind wanders and I dream of where I would paint if I was "real" artist. Here is a picture of an artist's loft in NYC. It comes pretty close to my dream.

All photos Ochs Design

The 2700 sq ft abandoned warehouse space was converted and renovated into an artist's loft by Ochs Design. The painting studio retains the original industrial asphalt floor. The light is incredible!

The studio work table was fabricated from stone and wood left behind by former commercial occupants decades earlier. Only the steel frame is new. I love the wonderful mix of textures every where you look.

Platforms replace walls to define the living space. To the right is the painting studio to the left the living area. Raw industrial surfaces provide the backdrop for art and sculpture. A large skylight lets in daylight to paint by.

The client's desire to leave the space as open as possible led to this luminous fabric sleeping enclosure. Isn't this so romantic?

I love the spare furnishings - what a wonderfully unique side table.

The client likes to cook and entertain. The spacious open kitchen features a 1925 bistro table that seats 16 people. I could have some great parties here!

Just wanted to give you a peek of where I dream about painting when I finally get discovered!